Wisconsin Newspaper Association Annual Convention 2025: Event Listing

Event Overview
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) Annual Convention, scheduled for March 6-7, 2025, at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club in Madison, WI. This two-day event is a key gathering for Wisconsin's media professionals, bringing together publishers, journalists, advertising specialists, and digital leaders to address the industry's evolving challenges and opportunities. With a mix of workshops, awards ceremonies, and networking receptions, the WNA Convention is designed to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful conversations about the future of local and regional media.

Key Focus Areas
The convention will explore a wide range of topics essential for today’s news publishers, journalists, and advertising leaders:

• Future of Local Journalism: Insights into the sustainability of local newspapers, focusing on innovative revenue models and digital transformation.
• Transparency and Open Government: Highlighting the role of the press in fostering openness, with discussions on the Wisconsin Openness Awards recognizing efforts to increase transparency.
• AI in Content Creation and Digital Advertising: Exploring how AI is reshaping newsrooms and advertising, from automated content generation to ad optimization for better engagement and attention metrics.
• Monetizing Digital Content: Best practices for increasing online ad revenue, engaging local advertisers, and leveraging content to capture attention in a crowded digital space.
• Youth Engagement and Journalism: The next generation of journalists and their role in shaping media, culminating in the Student Awards Luncheon.

Agenda Highlights
Below is a snapshot of the key events scheduled over the two days:

• Thursday, March 6, 2025:
  • 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: WNA Board of Directors Meeting – A session to discuss the association's vision and strategic direction.
  • 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions – Interactive workshops and presentations covering digital media trends, AI in advertising, and more.
  • 5 – 6 p.m.: Cocktail Reception – A relaxed networking event to connect with industry peers.
  • 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Wisconsin Openness Awards Dinner – Honoring those who have significantly contributed to transparency in government and journalism.
• Friday, March 7, 2025:
  • 8 – 9 a.m.: Breakfast – Kick off the day with a networking breakfast.
  • 9 – 9:45 a.m.: General Session – Featuring insights from industry leaders on the future of journalism and media innovation.
  • 10 – 11:45 a.m.: Breakout Sessions – Dive deep into strategies for increasing ad revenue, content monetization, and engaging readers.
  • Noon – 1:15 p.m.: Student Awards Luncheon – Celebrate the rising stars in journalism with awards recognizing outstanding student contributions.
  • 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions – Focus on regional advertising, AI-driven campaigns, and other key topics.
  • 4:30 – 5 p.m.: Annual Meeting – A review of the year's highlights and a look ahead to future initiatives.
  • 5 – 6 p.m.: Cocktail Reception – Another opportunity to mingle with industry colleagues before the final awards ceremony.
  • 6 – 9 p.m.: Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet – The highlight of the event, celebrating excellence in journalism with awards across multiple categories.

Target Audience
The WNA Annual Convention is designed for media executives, publishers, editors, journalists, digital content strategists, and advertising professionals. It is the perfect event for those eager to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving media landscape. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into digital strategies, learn best practices for audience engagement, and explore effective ways to boost advertising revenue, especially at the local and regional levels.

Relevance and Impact
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Annual Convention is a pivotal event for those who are passionate about the future of local media. With its mix of educational sessions, inspiring awards, and networking opportunities, the convention offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and innovations in the journalism and advertising industries. Topics like digital advertising optimization, AI-driven newsroom tools, and the value of press transparency are particularly relevant as news publishers navigate a digital-first world.

By attending, participants will be equipped with the latest strategies to monetize digital platforms, engage diverse audiences, and stay competitive. Sponsorship opportunities provide companies with a chance to reach key decision-makers in Wisconsin's media scene, making the event a must-attend for those who play a role in shaping the state's media landscape.

This convention is the largest gathering of media professionals in Wisconsin, making it an unmissable opportunity for those involved in journalism, digital advertising, and publishing to learn, connect, and celebrate the industry's achievements. Make plans to join the conversation and be part of shaping the future of local media!